With Mercury Retrograde ruling for most of February, you might feel the brunt of communication trials and tribulations this month. Fortunately, even if we hit a communication brick wall, we’ll also enjoy a burst of mental energy mid-month. Astrologer Maria DeSimone sheds insight on how to make the most of this cosmic circus...

Weekly Astrology: Feb. 2-8, 2014

Thursday, Feb. 6: Mercury Retrograde in Pisces

Now that love planet Venus is direct in Capricorn, she’ll stretch, stumble out of bed and pour herself a cup of ambition this week. What’s ironic, however, is that just when Venus gets her groove back, we’ll need to contend with Mercury Retrograde.

That’s right; you may feel as if the universe is trying to “punk” you in early 2014, due to a flurry of personal planets going retrograde one right after another. We started out with Venus in January; February will host Mercury Retrograde; and then from March to May we’ll contend with Mars Retrograde. This week, let’s focus on Mercury…

The good news is that you will have a window of opportunity – albeit a small one – to get important matters related to contracts, communication and financial business negotiation done. But be warned: it is a minuscule time-frame between Sunday and Tuesday. If you act Wednesday, you’ll be too late; by then Mercury will be standing still. Then, on Thursday, Mercury will begin its retrograde phase, which lasts until Feb. 28.

Mercury Retrograde’s journey occurs in two different signs. It will begin in dreamy Pisces, which may cause a cloud of confusion everywhere. This will be a great time to revise any creative project or recalibrate your belief system, but it won’t be ideal to make a decision that is important – especially if you’re acting on blind faith.

Then, on Feb. 12, Mercury moves back into innovative Aquarius. Technological glitches may be more of a problem. Hey, look at the bright side: At least Venus is back. We may be confused, but at least we’ll all have our looks.

Weekly Astrology: Feb. 9-15, 2014

Tuesday, Feb. 11: Sun in Aquarius square Saturn in Scorpio

Early in the week the universe will demand that you “slow your roll” and pay attention to important work you must take seriously. The good news, however, is that by the weekend you can fully expect to savor delicious romantic energy. Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

But first, let’s talk about Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Sun will be at a tense angle to Saturn, the planet of restriction and limitation. Saturn rules authority and discipline but when he’s at a stressful angle to another planet he also tends to act like a boa constrictor, making it feel almost impossible for the other planet to breathe. With Saturn weighing down on the Sun, you may feel as if your basic vitality is slumped.

Not only will you feel drained, but an authority figure might make matters worse, demanding that you take on a responsibility that you wish you didn’t have. This will be most difficult for the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius).

Wednesday, Feb. 12: Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius

What makes things more aggravating is that on Wednesday, Mercury Retrograde will enter Aquarius. This brings even more problems to the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius). Communicating with clarity may be a problem, and it might feel as if you’re getting nowhere, no matter how hard you work. Try to keep things in perspective – this will not last forever.

Friday, Feb. 14: Full Moon in Leo and Sun in Aquarius trine Mars in Libra

By Friday, a dazzling Full Moon in amorous Leo will set the perfect scene for Valentine’s Day romance. Hearts, flowers and dating pleasures are Leo’s specialty. Because he hosts a Full Moon on the most romantic day of the year, you can rest assured that if you’ve got a sweetheart, he or she will make you feel extra fulfilled in matters of the heart.

A sexy trine between the Sun and Mars will also lift away all that heavy Saturn weight you dealt with earlier in the week. Bonus: Your sex life will receive a fabulous boost as well!

Weekly Astrology: Feb. 16-22, 2014

Sunday, Feb. 16: Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius trine Mars in Libra

On Sunday, you might be reluctant to dwell on the past, but this approach could actually help you take a leap toward the future. If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, a little reflection will help you’ recognize just where you’ve been stuck on repeat while anticipating a dissimilar outcome.

As Mercury moves into an enthusiastic trine to energetic Mars, you might finally have the courage to effect real change in your life. Take your mind out of that old, outworn pattern of thinking that’s getting you nowhere real fast. Change your mind, change your outcome. On Sunday you’ve got the power!

Tuesday, Feb. 18: Sun in Pisces

The Sun enters Pisces on Tuesday, shining a light on everything spiritual, imaginative and intuitive. Your psychic antenna will sharpen and your compassionate heart will open wide. Now is a great time to do something charitable that will help alleviate someone else’s suffering. You might also need to do something more now to nourish your soul. Meditation, yoga and journaling are all favored activities. Or, soak up your favorite art or music.

Unfortunately, communication blocks may return by Wednesday, as Mercury squares off with stern Saturn. You might lack the mental confidence you had earlier in the week. It’s also possible an authority figure will make you second-guess an idea you once believed was absolutely brilliant. Rework this plan, but don’t discard it. Remember, genius is always ahead of its time.

Weekly Astrology: Feb. 23 to March 1, 2014

Sunday, Feb. 23: Sun conjunct Neptune in Pisces

The week begins and ends on a dreamy note, thanks to an abundance of Pisces energy sandwiched in-between the Sun and Mercury Direct. Ah, dreams are wonderful, but don’t expect them to take flight any time soon. That’s because no sooner does Mercury turn direct than Mars goes retrograde. Yes, the universe continues to tease us.

On Sunday, the Sun will embrace Neptune. If you’re involved in any artistic, spiritual, musical or glamorous pursuit, you will enjoy a peak day of creativity. This is also the day to carve out extra alone time to soothe your soul – or just sleep late!

Monday, Feb. 24: Venus in Capricorn sextile Saturn in Scorpio

On Monday, Venus and Saturn will be at a friendly angle to each other, which bodes well for business and love. A partnership made on this day has lasting potential. However, because Mercury is not quite up to speed yet, you might want to keep it verbal for now. Love might not feel as romantic or lighthearted, but you will certainly feel secure in a relationship now.

Wednesday, Feb. 26: Jupiter in Cancer square Uranus in Aries

By Wednesday you might feel overflowing with optimistic energy, thanks to a link between expansive Jupiter and innovative Uranus. While it’s true that you might receive a sudden lucky break, you might also feel tempted to rush into a risk – or a revolution – that’s not really worth taking. Slow down and carefully consider if this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is extraordinary, or if it’s unfortunately too good to be true.

In most of today’s dealings, it’ll be “all that” and more. That’s because on Friday Mercury turns direct, opening up the door for positive communication again. The Sun will also be at a gorgeous angle to Jupiter, lighting up luck no matter where you turn.

Saturday, March 1: New Moon in Pisces and Mars Retrograde in Libra

On Saturday, you might feel ready to plant seeds of faith and inspiration, thanks to a mystical New Moon in sensitive Pisces. Yes, everything in this world begins as a fantasy, but if you don’t have the ability to take action then all you have is pixie dust.

Unfortunately, on the same day as this lunation, we’ll see Mars – the planet that rules action and energy – turn retrograde in Libra. Mars will remain napping until May 20, and during this time you’ll need to reevaluate at least one close personal relationship. Is it bringing you closer to your dreams, or is it keeping you further away?

Maria DeSimone is a certified astrologer and staff writer for Tarot.com. With her B.A. in psychology, Maria is able to blend insightful astrology in a humanistic and practical manner – addressing real-life concerns – while also encouraging audiences to embrace the more metaphysical teachings and influences of astrology.